Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. In this article, we will be exploring how CBD can benefit your sleep.
Just like other cannabinoids, CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to promote homeostasis within the body. The endocannabinoid system regulates many important functions including mood, appetite, and pain sensation. It also plays a vital role in the regulation of our sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm.
Cellular research has provided us with a greater understanding of how cannabinoids such as naturally occurring THC and synthetic cannabinoids found in cannabis affect sleep patterns in humans and animals alike.
In fact, scientists have discovered that CBD gummies for sleep increases slow-wave (delta) sleep and decreases the REM stage of sleep. THC may enhance delta waves which are key to deep, restorative sleep because it activates neurons that release chemicals that have been associated with decreased anxiety and stress. What’s more, the decrease in REM stages during cannabis consumption has also been shown to increase feelings of tiredness and lethargy the next day.
While CBD is technically a phytocannabinoid like THC, CBD doesn’t cause any psychoactivity of euphoria commonly associated with THC. This makes CBD an excellent alternative for people seeking anti-anxiety effects without any of the brain fog or lack of motivation typically caused by other cannabinoids. One study using rodents found evidence suggesting that CBD could be beneficial for sleep regulation. Rodents that were given CBD prior to sleep demonstrated an increase in wakefulness and a decrease in slow-wave (delta) activity during the initial period of their dark cycle.
The following paragraphs explore more specific benefits of CBD and how it can be used to improve your sleep quality! CBD may help with Insomnia The American Academy of Sleep published a study that found evidence suggesting cannabinoids such as CBD, could be helpful for people suffering from insomnia and other related sleep disorders. Although there isn’t any clinical research available proving this, several anecdotal reports suggest that taking CBD before bed can result in improved sleep for some people.
Researchers suggest that consuming CBD gummies for sleep before bed may actually worsen insomnia because it activates neurons that increase alertness. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t seem to alter the activity of neurons which could help improve sleep for some people.
